Bangkok: Honey Toast, Goats and Mango Sticky Rice - A Walk Down Thonglor

Thonglor is one of the nicest parts of Bangkok and a lot of fun to explore.  This area seems to attract some of Bangkok's best and most creative restaurants and cafes, leading to lots of great places to try out.  Located right off of the skytrain, Thonglor is easy to reach.  Hint: Thonglor Road is also called Sukhumvit Soi 55...

Provence: Verdon Gorge

We left Cotignac a week early and got a head start on our drive to Amsterdam.  We turned it into a French road trip, with stops in Southern, Central and Northern France.  First up:  the Verdon Gorge.

Provence: Cotignac, France

I thought of three alternative titles for this post:  "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly", "It was the Best of Times, it was the Worst of Times", or "All that Glitters is not Gold."  Perhaps this offers a glimpse into my feelings about Cotignac, a picturesque Provincial village tucked in the south eastern corner of France.  I spent just under two months in Cotignac (Jake was with me for about half that time).  While I treasure my gorgeous photos of one of the most beautiful villages in France, I take comfort in the fact that I never have to go back...

San Sebastian, Spain

San Sebastian is a city of contradictions.  Sophisticated yet laid back, grand yet intimate, upscale yet unpretentious, traditional yet innovative.  San Sebastian is also one of those rare cities blessed with both natural and man made beauty, creating a stunning synergy. While the beach beckons, the true star of the show is the food.   

  

Around Town: 

The promenade along La Concha (shell) beach is charming.  There is something about a beach plopped down in the center of a city that brings with it a unique energy.  Notice the statue (of Jesus) on the hilltop.  We hiked toward this statue, but never quite saw Jesus (walking uphill is hard!) although we did see some magnificent views of the city and ocean.

48 Hours in Madrid - Day 2

I began day two by impressing Jake with my knowledge of Madrid's subway system, the Metro. I proudly showed him how to use the ticket machine, get his ticket stamped, and find the right train. Madrid's Metro system is pretty easy to use, however my biggest challenge was finding my way out of the stations.  Some are many stories underground.  At the height of my confusion, I exited a subway car, followed the signs to the exit, walked about 15 minutes through the station, and ended up right where I started.  Twice.  I made it out on my third try. The second time I went to this station, I made it out on my second try.  Progress!  However on this day with Jake, we got off at the Opera stop which didn't even pose a challenge.  I spotted that exit from a mile away.  Off to a good start.

First stop: the Royal Palace (or in Spanish, the Palacio Real).